“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” Marvel’s first television series. (ABC/Bob D’Amico)

You don’t have to know “The Avengers” or the Marvel comics universe to appreciate “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” — but it helps. The masterful Joss Whedon declared his goal is to welcome all viewers to the project, not just fankids, though he doesn’t start slowly and newcomers may need background.

The most buzzed-about show of the season, “S.H.I.E.L.D.” debuts on ABC on Sept. 24.

Agent Phil Coulson, who died in “The Avengers,” is brought back to life with Clark Gregg fortunately reprising the role. His gravity holds together the sometimes meandering story. Whedon’s trademark humor in the midst of action-adventure (per “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) saves the day as often as the very human, yet very gifted heroes. That protects the fantastical from becoming ridiculous.

A few story threads carry over from “The Avengers,” playing to the fan base, but the TV hour is designed to stand on its own. While there are aliens, paranormal events and superheroes, it’s ultimately all about emotion, camaraderie and the challenge of being human. Those of us who prefer the quippy moments to the big flashy explosions will have to hope the (expensive looking) pyrotechnics of the pilot aren’t Whedon’s ongoing focus.

“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” Marvel’s first television series. (ABC/Bob D’Amico)

“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” from Joss Whedon picks up where his movie “The Avengers” left off. The highly anticipated action drama is coming to ABC on Sept. 24. The pilot episode, screened here, is funny in a Whedon-esque way, but heavily dependent on advance knowledge of the comics/movie storyline. While there is likely to be synergy with upcoming Marvel movie titles Whedon cautioned against putting the emphasis there.

“We don’t just want to be an Easter egg farm. This show has to work for those people who won’t see those movies and haven’t seen them before,” Whedon said.

It looks expensive and international locations are key. “Both Marvel and ABC have been very generous with us,” executive producer Jeffrey Bell (“Angel,” “Alias”) said. But there are also some clever digital effects at work.

“I like people who are on the fringe of things,” Whedon said, as opposed to all-powerful superheroes. “These guys are out there by themselves. They don’t have every resource. That’s the sort of thing I love to write.” He also enjoys taping into the “absurdity” within the Marvel universe –but he ruled out a musical episode.

Clark Gregg, who plays Agent Phil Coulson, said he got on board when Whedon explained deep background about how he planned to bring back the character who died in “The Avengers.”

Ming-Na Wen (Agent Melinda May) proudly showed off her biceps. “I’m going to be in the best shape of my life. I hate working out but I do like kicking ass,” she said.

Jed Whedon recalled starring in brother Joss’ home movies. They worked together on “Dr. Horrible,” and “it evolved from there.”
“We just try to crack each other up,” Joss said.

Fanboys already love it, but the goal is to make the show big and broad and not limited to comic book fans. “We wanted something that’s not for one particular group of people. Whether or not it’s an ABC audience or a Marvel audience,” executive producer Jeph Loeb (“Heroes”) said, “our hope is that everyone watching on Tuesday night will love it.” Loeb would like to restore “the urgency of television” by limiting the leaks and advance word. But he has run into spoilers and reveals online despite Marvel’s tight security. Cast and crew cite “Level 7 security clearance” whenever they don’t want to give away a secret.

Joanne Ostrow has been watching TV since before "reality" required quotation marks. "Hill Street Blues" was life-changing. If Dickens, Twain or Agatha Christie were alive today, they'd be writing for television. And proud of it.